Strictly Come Dancing launch tops 5.8m viewers
The first episode of the new Strictly Come Dancing series attracted a record 5.8 million viewers, outpacing last year’s launch by 200,000. The show introduced new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, revealed fresh professional dancers, and highlighted notable pairings, including…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saturday’s premiere of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing set a new benchmark for the show, drawing a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers across the UK. The BBC’s overnight figures show the episode outperformed the previous year’s launch by 200,000 viewers and averaged 5.3 million, a 7 % rise in share. With a 49.2 % audience share, the programme eclipsed all other broadcasts at the same time, earning the top spot on the iPlayer’s most popular chart.
New Faces, New Energy
The series marked a fresh start for the show’s presentation team. Long‑time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, and the role was taken over by a trio of newcomers: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. During the opening segment, Willis welcomed viewers, expressing her excitement about the next 13 weeks. Radebe added a light‑hearted remark about the trio’s unexpected presence, while Widdicombe’s commentary drew laughs from the audience, signalling a more relaxed hosting style.
In addition to the new hosts, the professional line‑up expanded with five new dancers: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. Their arrival promises a mix of fresh choreography and renewed competition among the pros, as they will face off against a roster of celebrity contestants.
Celebrity Pairings and Historic Moments
One of the most talked‑about moments of the launch was the reunion of Love Island winner Dani Dyer with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. The pair had previously been set to compete together in last year’s series but had to withdraw due to Dyer’s injury. Their return is expected to generate strong viewer interest as they re‑establish their chemistry on the dance floor.
The new series also introduces the third all‑female pairing in the show’s history. Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu will dance together, following the 2020 duo of Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, and the 2022 pairing of Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer. This milestone reflects the show’s growing inclusivity and the expanding opportunities for female performers.
Big Brother co‑host Will Best will be joined by former Strictly pro Dianne Buswell, who is returning to the show after giving birth to her first child. Their partnership is expected to bring a blend of experience and fresh enthusiasm to the competition.
Audience Impact and Future Episodes
The 5.8 million peak viewership not only demonstrates the programme’s enduring popularity but also highlights the growing shift toward on‑demand viewing. The BBC noted that the figures do not capture the full spectrum of viewers, as many watch via the iPlayer after the live broadcast. The launch episode’s success on the streaming platform underscores the importance of multi‑platform distribution for contemporary television.
Looking ahead, the next live show will air on Saturday at 6:15 pm on BBC One and will be available on iPlayer. Fans can anticipate a blend of high‑energy performances, dramatic eliminations, and the continued development of the new professional and celebrity line‑ups.
Key facts
- Launch episode reached 5.8m peak viewers, surpassing last year
- New hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe take over
- Five new professional dancers added to the lineup
- Dani Dyer reunites with Nikita Kuzmin
- Third all‑female pair: Bethany Antonia & Nancy Xu
- Big Brother co‑host Will Best teams with Dianne Buswell
Why it matters
The surge in viewership confirms Strictly’s resilience in a crowded entertainment landscape and highlights the effectiveness of refreshing its cast and hosts to keep audiences engaged.
Frequently asked questions
What was the peak viewership for the launch episode?
5.8 million viewers.
Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing?
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe.
Which new professional dancers joined this season?
Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Is there an all‑female pair this season?
Yes, Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.
When will the next episode air?
Saturday at 6:15 pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Strictly Come Dancing launch show sees peak of 5. 8 million viewers”
